WASHINGTON— The Trump administration is proposing sweeping new regulations that could lead to the largest decline in legal immigration in generations. The new regulations propose to redefine the meaning of the legal term “public charge” to penalize any immigrant applying for a green card or an immigrant visa from abroad if they have previously accessed or are deemed likely to rely on certain forms of public assistance in the future.

The new regulations could have a chilling effect on our family-based immigration system and prevent many hard-working immigrants from coming to or permanently residing in the United States with their families.

The following statement is from Beth Werlin, executive director of the American Immigration Council:

“The Trump administration’s proposed changes to the public charge regulations are an unprecedented attack on legal immigration. They signal an intent to abandon the basic principle that America is a land of opportunity for people, rich and poor. These proposals would break that fundamental promise.

"These lengthy and technical changes to longstanding regulations would obstruct those whose only desire is to work hard and be with their family. Many people now would be forced to choose between accessing the assistance they and their children need now or securing permanent legal immigration status to be with their families in the future.

"The immigrant story has long been one of men, women and children arriving in America with little more than the drive to succeed and the desire to be reunited with family. We believe in an America that sees the potential in all people. This proposed regulation declares null and void that premise. Instead, they would pre-judge and penalize hard-working families based on the size of their bank account. The U.S. immigration system needs many upgrades, but mean-spirited attacks on immigrant families are not among them.”